It was a joy to watch Lord Dorrington driving with an expertise that was remarkable. She knew that never before had she seen a man who handled his horses so well or looked so magnificent while he did so.

“You told me that you were taking me to your sister,” she said after a little while. “Do you think she will mind having me as a guest?”

“I think she will be delighted,” Lord Dorrington answered. “Elizabeth has already complained of feeling lonely. Her husband is away with the Army and, although I visit her quite often, there are not many congenial neighbours near Shenley Manor.”

“Is that the name of her house?” Alyna asked.

“Yes. It is a small house that my brother-in-law has rented while he is a serving soldier.”

“Does your sister not wish to be with him?” Alyna asked.

”I think she would like it more than anything else,” Lord Dorrington replied, “but she has two children, Rupert aged six and Ivan aged three. Number three is expected in a month or so.”

“Oh, now I understand!”

“You may find it rather dull with nothing to talk about but babies,” Lord Dorrington said, “but at least you will be safe while we consider what we can do with you in the future.”

“Are you really considering that?” Alyna asked.

“We will talk about it together quietly and sensibly,” Lord Dorrington said, “but not tonight. I think you have had enough emotional upsets in the last forty-eight hours. It’s difficult to think clearly when one is mentally disturbed.”

Alyna gave a little sigh.

“How well you understand!” she said. “How far is Shenley Manor?”

“It’s less than an hour’s drive from London. That is why it will be easy for me to come down and see you without people asking why I am not taking part in the gaieties of the Season. It is important that we should not arouse any possible suspicion that you and I are in any way connected.”

“Yes, of course,” Alyna agreed. “And I would not wish to involve you in any way – with my difficulties.”

Lord Dorrington smiled.

“I think I am already involved.”

Alyna had no words to answer him and very shortly afterwards they turned in at the gates of Shenley Manor.

It was a small greystone house set in the middle of a thickly forested part of Surrey.

The trees seemed almost to encircle it. Then, as they drew up at the front door, Alyna could see in the moonlight that there were green lawns sloping down to a small stream.

It was small and cosy and she felt the friendliness of the house as soon as she entered the hall.

Without waiting for the ancient servant to announce them, Lord Dorrington opened a mahogany door and Alyna found herself in a small salon with French windows opening out onto the garden.